5 Hacks That Will Change the Way You Paint Your Exterior in Summer
Seattle is known for downpours, cold temperatures, and gloomy weather, but it’s not always like this. June to August marks the summer season in the Emerald City. This warm and dry season is the perfect time to paint home exteriors, saving you from the hassle of paint not drying up or, worse, getting washed away by rain.
However, since summer in Seattle is not the same as in other places, it is still crucial to take precautions when painting your home’s facade this season.
This blog explores some tips for making your exterior home painting more effective.
Tip #1: Do Not Skip Wall Washing
Over time, your exterior walls may have housed a colony of mold or mildew. These pests should be removed from the walls before starting the repainting as they tend to smudge the paint color and emit a foul odor. They can also spread to other surfaces when the brush that touched the affected wall is used on another surface.
Although washing your walls can remove mold and mildew, power washing is not recommended. Power washing can be too harsh on your walls, especially with the changes in temperature from one season to another.
One good way to wash your walls before painting is to use mild detergent, bleach, and water. Spray this solution into your exterior walls or do some scrubbing if possible. After a few minutes, rinse the surface thoroughly and let it sun-dry.
Tip #2: Schedule Your Painting Job Right
Timing is the key when painting a home exterior in Seattle. You would want to paint your facade when it is not too hot or too humid so the paint will dry effectively. Temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit are not advisable, as they can cause premature drying, which leads to cracking and peeling of paint.
In the same way, try to avoid humidity levels over 50%. Too much humidity can prolong the drying process of paint and cause curing issues.
The best condition to paint your exterior walls is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with less than 50% humidity. You may want to check the weekly weather forecast to plan the right date to schedule your painting project.
Tip #3: Shade is a Friend
Since you’ll most likely be painting your entire home exterior anyway, shade should be your ally. Plan your painting project in such a way that it follows where the shade is. Since the sun rises in the east, the west side of your house is most likely shaded in the mornings. Start from the west and move towards the east in the afternoon.
Tip #4: Choose the Right Paint and Paint Color
If you’re a garden enthusiast in Seattle, it's vital to save your beloved greeneries from harmful gases paints may emit. Some paints have volatile organic compounds (VCOs) that are harmful to leaves and stems. Lead and mercury can also threaten your plants.
Choose paint that is free from these chemicals. Water-based paints are often safer than synthetic ones.
Tip #5: Get the Help of a Local Exterior Home Painter
While it can be tempting to do the painting job by yourself this summer, it is better to leave the task to the experts. Repainting your exterior walls can be costly and taxing. If you let a seasoned exterior painter handle the job, you can avoid additional costs and chances of redoing the painting after failed attempts. As the saying goes: “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Add Splash of Colors to Your Exterior Walls This Summer with Queen Anne Painting
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Why struggle with the complexities and uncertainties of a DIY project when you can trust our expert team to revitalize your home exterior in Seattle? From meticulous preparation to flawless finishing touches, we bring professionalism and precision to every brushstroke.